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GENERAL INFORMATION

If you are no longer a resident of Montgomery County you may not serve on a jury in Montgomery County.  Please indicate your new address on the summons, sign it and mail it to us at our address on the summons. 

As indicated on your summons, the average length of trial in Montgomery County is 2 to 3 days.  Most people who report are finished in 1 day, but from time to time we have trials which are of an extended duration.  We cannot predict in advance how long the trials will be for any particular day – be prepared for anything. 

Montgomery County recognizes no exemption whatsoever from jury service except for those with severe emotional or physical problems which preclude them from working and which are supported by a health professional's certificate and those who are 70 years of age or older who request to be excused.  Any other request to be excused, for example, childcare or occupation, will not be granted.

However, we do have a very liberal deferment policy in order to accommodate your problems in most circumstances.  If you wish to request such a postponement, please call 240-777-9090.  We will need your juror number, last name, date summoned and a date that is more convenient.

Information regarding jury service for your particular date will be posted by recording at 5:00 p.m. on the workday preceding your service date at 301-309-9351.  In case of inclement weather, listen to your local news station for information regarding the MONTGOMERY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, only.  You may call the recorded message again just before you leave your home to see if there has been a change in your jury service.

If, after reading your summons front and back thoroughly, you still have a question regarding jury service or you have lost your summons, you may call 240-777-9090 for further assistance and information.

Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial, then "decide the facts" --decide what really happened. The judge's job is to "decide the law" -- make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. Everyone must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work.

You do not need special knowledge or ability to do your job. It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations.

Remember: Do not be influenced by sympathy or prejudice. It is vital that you be impartial with regard to all testimony and ideas presented at the trial.

We hope you find your experience as a juror interesting and satisfying. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

How do I get to the Courthouse? Where Do I Park?

The Judicial Center is located at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Route 28, also known as Jefferson Street.  The Jurors' Parking Lot is at the corner of Jefferson and Monroe Streets ( see MAP and DIRECTIONS ).

How was I chosen?

First, your name was selected at random from voter registration records or Motor Vehicle Administration records. Then, your answers to the juror questionnaire were evaluated to make sure you were eligible for jury service. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror, and you must be able to communicate in English. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, you must have had your civil rights restored.  In short, you were chosen because you are eligible and able to serve. You are now part of the "jury pool" -- a group of citizens from which trial juries are chosen.

What's next?

In the courtroom, the judge will tell you about the case. He will then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in the case. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully. After you are sworn, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that may make it difficult for you to be impartial. This questioning process is called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth." Although, some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering them, tell the judge and he/she may ask them privately. Remember: Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which might prevent them from making an impartial decision.

How long will I serve?

Any citizen selected for a jury serves for the duration of one trial, however long that trial may last. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses who have special travel or schedule problems. You may have to wait before you are placed on a jury. During trial, you may have to wait in the jury room while the judge and the lawyers settle questions of law.  Judges and other courtroom personnel will do everything they can to minimize the waiting both before and during trial. Your understanding is appreciated.

Can I go home during the trial?

Usually. But in extremely rare cases, you may be "sequestered" during the trial or during jury deliberations. This is done to assure that jurors do not hear or see something about the case that was not mentioned in court.

Might I be called but not sit on a Jury?

Yes. Sometimes parties involved in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin.  In such instances, you will be excused with the thanks of the court, and asked to return to the Jury Lounge.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably.  Suits, ties and other, more formal wear are not necessary. But do not get too informal -- beach wear, shorts, halters or tank tops are not appropriate in court.  Hats may not be allowed unless worn for religious purposes.

If I'm physically disabled...?

Judges and employees of the Circuit Court are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Although some courthouses are outdated and do not meet modern Americans with Disabilities Act standards, attempts to accommodate all jurors will be made. Remember: If you have a hearing, sight or physical disability, do not hesitate to ask a member of the court staff for assistance.

What about my job?

Maryland law says an employer may not deprive an employee of his employment solely because of job time lost by the employee as a result of responding to a summons issued under this title, or as a result of attending court for service or prospective service as a petit or grand juror under the provisions of this title.   It does not say your employer has to pay you while you serve. You will receive Expense Money of $15.00 per day for expenses incured, plus $5.00 additional if your services are required after 6:00 p.m. After 5 days your expense stipend will be $50.00 per day.

What if I have an emergency?

Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required.  If an emergency occurs - a sudden illness, accident or death in the family- inform the court staff so that the trial can be scheduled around you.

What types of cases may I hear?

Jury cases are either criminal or civil.

Civil cases

Civil cases are disputes between private citizens, corporations, governments, government agencies, or other organizations.  Usually, the party that brings the suit is asking for money damages for some alleged wrong that has been done.   For example, a homeowner may sue a contractor for failure to fix a leaky roof.   People who have been injured may sue the person or company they believe is responsible for the injury.

The party who files the complaint is called the plaintiff. The party to whom the complain is filed against is called the defendant. There may be a number of plaintiffs or defendants in the same case.

Criminal cases

A criminal case is brought by the state, or a city or county against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. In these cases, the state, city, or county is the plaintiff and the accused person is the defendant. The defendant is informed of the charge, or charges by a charging document, information or indictment.

What happens during a trial?

Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, although the order may be changed by the judge.  Here is the usual order of events:

Step 1: Selection of the jury

Step 2: Opening statements

Step 3: Presentation of evidence

Step 4: Jury instructions

Step 5: Closing arguments

Step 6: Jury deliberations

Step 7: Announcement of the verdict

Some do's and don'ts

During trial:

1. DO arrive on time and DO return promptly after breaks and lunch. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.

2. DO pay close attention.  If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.

3. DO keep an open mind all through the trial.

4. DO listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge.   Remember, it is your duty to accept what the judge says about the law to be applied to the case.

5. DON'T try to guess what the judge thinks about the case.  Remember that rulings from the bench do not reflect the judge's personal views.

6. DON'T talk about the case or issues raised by the case with anyone--including other jurors--while the trial is going on, and DON'T let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members.  If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a court employee.  These rules are designed to help you keep an open mind during the trial.

7. DON'T talk to the lawyers, parties, or witnesses about anything.

8. DON'T try to uncover evidence on your own. Never, for example, go to the scene of an event that was part of the case you are hearing.  You must decide the case only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.

9. DON'T let yourself get information about the case from the news media or any other outside source.  Even if news reports are accurate and complete, they cannot substitute for your own impressions about the case.  If you accidentally hear outside information about the case during trial, tell a member of the court staff in private.

10. DO take notes during the trial unless the judge instructs you otherwise.You will be given pencil and paper.

During deliberation:

1. DO work out differences between yourself and other jurors through complete and fair discussions of the evidence and of the judge's instructions. DON'T lose your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors.

2. DON'T mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or damage them.

3. DON'T try to guess what might happen if the case you have heard is appealed.  Appellate courts deal only with legal questions--they will not change your verdict if you decided the facts based on proper evidence and instructions.

4. DON'T draw straws, flip coins, or otherwise arrive at your verdict by chance, or the decision will be illegal.  It is also improper for a jury to determine damage awards by averaging the amounts calculated by each individual juror.

5. DON'T talk to anyone about your deliberations or about the verdict until the judge discharges the jury.  After discharge, you may discuss the verdict and the deliberations with anyone, including the media, the lawyers, or your family.  But DON'T feel obligated to do so--no juror can be forced to talk without a court order.

Your service as a juror is what makes our judicial system the best in the world.

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